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Gender differences in isometric contractile properties and fatigability in elderly human muscle
1Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, West Hamilton, ON.
Summary
Older males are stronger but fatigue more than females in elbow and ankle muscles. Dynamic weight-lifting training did not alter these age-related sex differences in strength or fatigability.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Aging leads to declines in muscle strength and increased fatigability.
- Sex differences in muscle function may persist or change with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare isometric contractile properties and fatigability of elbow flexors (EF) and ankle dorsiflexors (DF) in older males and females (60-80 years).
- To examine the effects of 22-month dynamic weight-lifting training on these properties.
Main Methods:
- 109 older adults (males and females) participated in a 22-month intervention with either dynamic weight-lifting or control.
- Isometric contractile properties (twitch torque - Pt, maximal voluntary contraction - MVC) and fatigue were assessed at baseline, 10, and 22 months.
Main Results:
- Males were stronger than females in Pt and MVC for both EF and DF at baseline.
- Females exhibited less absolute and relative fatigue than males in both Pt and MVC.
- 22 months of dynamic training did not significantly alter isometric contractile properties or fatigue characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex differences exist in muscle strength and fatigability in older adults.
- Dynamic weight-lifting training did not overcome these sex-based differences in muscle function over 22 months.
- Training effects on muscle properties are highly specific and persistent.